5-Grappoli Wines Bibenda

Sparkling garnet red colour. Pronounced aroma of berries and spices. Dense and full flavour with a fascinating balance between fruit and tannin. A complex red with a gentle but persistent finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, dark ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. Redcurrant and orange peel on the nose, with a hint of cinnamon stick. Juicy on the palate with pleasant acidity and taut tannins, built on fruit in the medium finish." Falstaff

Massifitti is a great white wine, without question! It is so fine and silky that you can sense beautiful ashy flint notes and crushed minerals on the finish. The Trebbiano di Soave Massifitti is soft and supple with a generous bouquet that exudes citrus, peach and honeydew melon. It shows its clear definition and dimension here, and the Tessari sisters from Suavia have created a wine in a class of its own. Vinification takes place in stainless steel with 15 months maturation on the lees. SUPERIORE.DE

"Attractive notes of ripe white peaches, sliced apples and white roses. Juicy and vivid on the palate, with bright acidity and a medium body. Clean and minerally with a crisp finish." James Suckling

Medoro's famous top-quality Montepulciano Adrano, which elegantly and typically spreads a fine fruity aroma. The taste is led by a rich fruit that is excellently embedded in a full, deliciously spicy structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2015 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Adrano lifts up with an alluring display of crushed black cherries, sweet spices, violet florals and a hint of vanilla bean. This is silky and elegant in texture, contrasted by brisk acids and balsamic-tinged black fruits. Fine tannins linger, framing the expression nicely as the Adrano finishes savory with tart wild berries and minerals." Vinous

"The Villa Medoro 2015 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane Adrano shows a classic aromatic profile with dark fruit tones followed by leather and mild tobacco. This wine ages in oak for 12 months, and the impact of that wood emerges mostly in terms of the rich and slightly dense texture of the mouthfeel. Those contrasts between dark fruit and oak spice are nicely played, and they are perfectly suited to a rib-eye steak." Wine Advocate

This mineral and concentrated wine emphasises the beauty of the Collio region. Ponca, the local name for the soil in the Collio, is a calcareous clay and sandstone conglomerate, which this wine shows in abundance. The first note of Ponca leads to ripe apples and white flowers. On the palate, it is complex and structured, creamy and with a strong acidity. It is a wine with stony and mineral undertones that emphasises the soil of this special place. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of baked apples, lemon oil and pressed yellow flowers. On the palate, it delivers a delightful fusion of citrus and stone fruit flavors, culminating in a refreshing, clean finish that mirrors the region's vibrant spirit." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2022 Pinot Bianco captivates with a bouquet that mixes enriching notes of almond paste and sweet spice with crushed yellow apples. Silky and enveloping, this washes across the palate with medium-bodied weight and mineral-tinged orchard fruits as brisk acidity adds a cheek-puckering twang toward the close. The 2022 leaves tropical citrus and hints of green melon to linger on, finishing with admirable length and wonderfully fresh. Already a pleasure today, the 2022 Pinot Bianco will also excel over three to four years of cellaring." Vinous

"Crushed seashells, flint, white fruit and crumbled minerality. Quite textured with a medium to full body and a long, mineral finish. Has lovely mid-palate substance and tension." James Suckling

Verdicchio Riserva in a rich, sensual style with plenty of dynamism in the glass. Ripe peaches, flowers, sweet herbs, orange peel and minerals in a complex yet typical varietal bouquet. First-class impressions on the palate and already easy to drink today, but with good potential for the coming years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Here is a pretty white wine that delivers on both fronts: aromatic complexity and mouthfeel. The Monacesca 2020 Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva Mirum sees fruit from a three-hectare site on heavier clay soils. This unoaked Riserva starts off with a decisively mineral-driven bouquet with dustings of crushed stone and powdered terracotta. A swell of primary fruit appears on second nose with candied lemon, Darjeeling tea and waxy fruit." Wine Advocate

Brilliant, rich yellow with silver-green reflections. The bouquet has pronounced smoky, mineral notes, full flavours of mango, citrus fruit, sage and asparagus. It shows its true class on the palate: wonderfully complex structure, lots of naturally sweet flavour, refreshing acidity and a juiciness, strength and length that can only be achieved through long contact with the lees and simultaneous agitation. Very convincing, downright captivating! SUPERIORE.DE

"Firm and quite deep, yeasty, very delicately nutty and smoky aroma with citrus flavours, some white berries, spring onions, broccoli, white pepper and crab meat. Ripe, juicy, dense fruit, very fine acidity and some grip, vegetal spice, blackcurrant leaves, some smoke and nutty-yeasty traces, blackcurrants and gooseberries in the background, mineral foundation, good depth, very good, firm, juicy, mineral and somewhat herbal-spicy finish with blackberry and floral nuances." Wein-Plus

"Intense straw yellow with a green tinge. Aromatic nose, lots of gooseberry and nettle, some passion fruit in the background. Straightforward and precise on the palate, animating, mouthwatering, delicately melting, lingering, salty final." Falstaff

"On the nose, cooked lemons, savoury herbs, pepper and a hint of flinty minerality. Medium-bodied, juicy and citrusy with lively acidity and a flavourful finish." James Suckling

"The Sauvignon Blanc Picol 2021 is flavoursome and incredibly fresh. In the glass, it unfolds aromas of nectarine, rosemary and sage, accompanied by candied lime. It is full of zesty tension with sharp yellow citrus fruits and salty mineral notes that tantalise the senses. Its brilliant acidity is the real highlight of the show, as the Picol finishes long and powerful with a mix of sour melon and young kiwi that makes the taster return to the glass." Vinous

"Inviting, smoky nose of gooseberry aromatics; palate of tropical notes and a neat, bright acidity." Decanter

The Biancosesto is a true Friulian made from equal parts of the local Ribolla Gialla and Friulano grape varieties. Fresh, citrus-fruity aroma with hints of apple and pear, accompanied by a full-bodied, harmonious and pleasantly dry flavour. A refined interpretation of down-to-earthness with a beautiful arc of tension. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright olive green with straw yellow colour. Juicy citrus fruit on the nose, elderberry, juicy pink peach, rose petal, grapefruit, pomegranate, inviting. Fresh, juicy, clear on the palate, with well-defined fruit, full of tension and accessible, pure drinking pleasure." Falstaff

"Perfumed, elegant nose with citrus blossom and menthol, rich on the palate with candied fruit." Decanter

"This bright white features juicy pineapple, passion fruit and lychee notes accented by hints of grated ginger, ground cardamom, vanilla and white blossoms. Well-knit and lightly chalky in texture, with a focused, mineral-driven finish." Wine Spectator

"I like the undertones of crushed stone in the grapefruit and gooseberry flavours. It's bright, creamy and citrusy, with a medium body and a lively, zesty finish." James Suckling

"The Tunella 2022 Friuli Colli Orientali Biancosesto emphasises its modernist style with a very rich and creamy texture that comes from ageing in large Slavonian oak barrels. The blend consists of equal parts Friulano and Ribolla Gialla, and the fruit benefits from marl and sandstone soils that develop freshness and sweet concentration. This wine is complex and rich with ripe fruit, apricots and pears. It is a 360-degree expression with an extra dose of opulence to finish." Wine Advocate

Deep, dark ruby red colour. Full, deep and explosive bouquet reminiscent of dark berries, tobacco and liquorice. Illuminati's single-vineyard classic Zanna, with its elegant, very complex flavour and delicate oak spice, leaves nothing to be desired every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Colline Teramane Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Zanna is quite backward today, dark and brooding. Exotic spice and black currants form its understated bouquet. This is a more lifted and fresh style for Zanna, with round, supple textures and ripe citrus-tinged black fruits. Edgy tannins linger through the mentholated finale as hints of spiced cherry fade slowly." Vinous

Don Luigi Riserva opens with a dark, seductive blend of musky blackcurrants, sweet sage and crushed ash stones. It is full-bodied and almost creamy in flavour. The palate is lapped up by deep, ripe dark fruit and exotic spices. In between, a lively acidity with lingering notes of red plums and cedar wood. Beneath the surface is a hint of grippy tannin. The balance of this wine is breathtaking and further bottle ageing will improve it even further. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with violet reflections. Very ripe, sweet fruit notes on the nose, aromas of preserved cherries, plums and liquorice, underlaid with cocoa and a hint of liquorice. A fruity-sweet core on the palate, grippy and rustic tannins, with a hint of liquorice on the finish." Falstaff

"A powerful red wine with flavours of black cherries, plums, dried mint and hazelnuts. It is ripe and full-bodied with firm but creamy tannins. Opulent yet balanced." James Suckling

Deep dark ruby red. On the nose, complex aromas of dark fruits, espresso, liquorice and herbal notes. Very classically taut on the palate, with finely honed tannins and a fresh, bright acid wire. An Apulian classic as it is written in the textbook. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich hints of tarry smoke and toast on the nose underscore baked strawberry and plum fruit flavors in this robust, full-bodied red. Tightly-knit and fresh, a stemmy touch of dried herb lingers on the grippy finish." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of nicely baked berries, dark plums, dried leaves and a twist of red dates and fine, savory cocoa beans. Full-bodied and lightly spicy with very compact, powdery tannins. Slightly bittersweet and savory in finish. Very tight now, but shows impressive tannin quantity and quality." James Suckling

Deep, dark Riserva with a powerful berry bouquet and intense spicy notes and hints of damp forest floor. Taut on the palate, crisp fruit, solid tannins, good length. Lots of energy, nice spice and great potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Very intense and inviting nose, flavours of raspberries, cherry jam and hazelnut biscuits. Firm tannins dominate the palate, lots of damson." Falstaff

"On the nose, the sweetness of cherry and vanilla is balanced by the gentle bitterness of orange zest and herbs. On the palate, a rush of chocolate invigorates the fruit element, but balance is maintained by an earthiness that's drawn out by chalky, clingy tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"The Chianti Classico Riserva 2019 is a blend of Sangiovese (90%) with smaller proportions of Merlot and Colorino. It shows a dark, saturated appearance and a heavy aromatic load of black fruits, ripe cherries, plums, spices and sweet floral earth. The wine finishes with medium concentration, herbal notes and the natural freshness of Sangiovese." Wine Advocate

"There's a good balance of fruit and oak here, with red berries and fine oak giving off a hint of vanilla. Medium to full-bodied with well-integrated fruit and oak tannins and a sort of plump feel on the palate. The finish is medium length at the moment but should lengthen with time in the bottle. Try it from mid-2024." James Suckling

The Passito I Capitelli is like a delicious sweet, with a lightly mouth-coating and finely knitted palette of flavours that includes fruity notes of papaya, candied watermelon, preserved Meyer lemon and dried fig, with aromatic accents of tea rose, star anise and pickled ginger just above the dryness level. Luscious and juicy, with fresh acidity on the slightly roasted finish, great! SUPERIORE.DE

"A sweet and nutty passito with aromas and flavors of dried peach and apricot. Some floral complexity, too. It’s full and sweet, but contained, without any cloying or syrupy character. All in all, it’s a nimble, balanced and inviting sweet wine." James Suckling

"Silky and lightly mouth-coating, this bright, smooth bonbon offers a core of mandarin sorbet, mango and passion fruit coulis. It offers aromatic accents of candied ginger, jasmine, graham cracker and chive blossom and has a long and creamy finish." Wine Spectator

Nero has been one of Puglia's most interesting and sophisticated wines for many years: this dark ruby red wine is full of cherry and blackberry flavours with a hint of vanilla and tobacco. On the palate, it is spicy with elegant tannins and good structure and impresses with its extraordinary depth and personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"A rich and warming red with aromas of orange rind, mulberries, hot chocolate and spiced cherries. Full-bodied, ripe and mellow, with velvety tannins and a caressing finish." James Suckling

Sagana, an impressively varietal and at the same time very fresh Nero d'Avola of dark colour, intensely scented of sour cherries, undergrowth, iodine and graphite. Very powerful and full-bodied on the palate, velvety tannins and a long, slightly nutty finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, almost impenetrable ruby red. In the nose rich chocolate notes, ripe cassis, Amarena cherries and slightly vegetal. Gripping and powerful on the palate, spreads out widely, opens up on pithy wide-meshed tannin, hearty on the final." Falstaff

"A deep coloured, purple Nero d'Avola with medium to full body and aromas of soaked blackberries, iron, eucalyptus and violets. Fresh and concentrated, with creamy tannins that show through on the slightly spicy finish." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of blackberries, stones and fresh mushrooms transition to a medium body with firm tannins and a fresh, juicy finish." James Suckling

"The 2019 Sàgana is intense, dark and earthy in nature, with hints of smoke and camphor that bring out blackcurrant, tobacco and ash. It has a deep texture, feels almost creamy and is very tasty, with plum sauce, sage and a core of salty minerality that gives it gravitas. A layer of fine tannins finishes the wine with an echo of black fruit and a bitter aftertaste. Sàgana is a serious Nero d'Avola that needs a year or two in the cellar to show its best side." Vinous

"The 2019 Sicilia Sàgana is made from Nero d'Avola from the 12 hectare Vigneto del Torrone Bianco Tenuta San Giacomo and is very rich and concentrated with dark, dark fruit and a full-bodied presentation. The wine is lush, structured and very modern with a good blend of blackberry fruit and oak spice." Wine Advocate

"This Nero d'Avola from a single vineyard of Cusumano's Tenuta San Giacomo estate, located on the limestone cliff of Butera in southern Sicily, is a great wine. It is fresh and has great mid-palate tension combined with structured tannins. Aromatic black cherry aromas and flavours accompany intense dark chocolate, spices and herbs." Decanter

Barolo Essenze is made from a collection of grapes from six different vineyards: Bussia in Monforte, Annunziata in La Morra, Ravera in Novello, La Volta in Barolo, Scarrone in Castiglione Falletto and Gianetto in Serralunga. The wine has a flawless ruby red colour and a bouquet with a variety of aromas of liquorice and roasted notes. Lively on the palate, confident and luscious on the palate with a present, yet elegant tannin final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pleasant, approachable Barolo with raspberry-cola aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with some fine-grain tannin that broadens the wine a bit." James Suckling

Intense ruby garnet colour. Powerful nose of savoury cherries, spicy notes, light leather, orange and plum. Equally powerful, juicy and multi-layered on the palate, with finely characterised fruit and present, fine-grained tannins. The tension of this polished wine extends into the long, elegant finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Slightly developed, quite clearly tobacco-like aroma of predominantly dark berries with somewhat roasted barrel tones, fleshy and earthy notes, hints of butter and a hint of wild mushrooms. Ripe, again slightly developed fruit, noticeably gaining juice with air, with clear, smoky and somewhat tobacco-like oak notes and lots of sandy, still somewhat drying tannins, persistent on the palate, earthy, dried-vegetable to herbaceous and undergrowth notes, a hint of butter, dark ethereal spice, certain minerality, meaty tones, very good, only slightly drying and woody finish with some milk chocolate, which also becomes firmer and juicier with time." Wein-Plus

"Refreshing bouquet of fresh stone fruit and lavender; the attack is fresh, the acidity well integrated and in balance with the powerful tannins, the finish is spicy and fruity. Reliable style." Vinum

"Sparkling ruby colour with a pronounced garnet rim. Fragrant nose, presents itself with notes of blackberry and dark cherry, very clear, some cardamom in the background. Fine-meshed, grippy tannins on the palate, unfolds beautifully over the course, firm pressure on the final, savoury, still needs some time." Falstaff

Dense, deep red, in the nose forest fruits, ripe red berries and sweet-spicy notes. On the palate elegant, soft, almost creamy, rich, with fine tannin, pronounced body and an optimal balance between alcoholic potency, freshness and fruit and with a furious finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2016 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Bellovedere is dark yet elegant, with an inviting bouquet of blackberries, crushed violets, exotic spice and hints of camphor. This is silky in texture with a savory, almost-salty display of wild berries and minerals, all balanced by brisk acids. You can hardly feel its fine-grained tannins settling in until the very end, as the palate aches under the Bellovedere’s youthful structure, with echoes of licorice and black fruits lingering long. That said, the balance here is on point, and all the 2016 needs is a few more years of cellaring to really shine." Vinous

"Aromas of dark fruit, mushrooms, flowers and spices. It’s full-bodied with chewy tannins. Chalky texture in the mouth. Juicy and spicy. Flavorful finish with some length." James Suckling

"This rich red offers a cohesive mix of cigar box spice, menthol, hoisin sauce and brandy-soaked blackberries. It's densely packed in fruit and spice flavors on the full-bodied palate, yet balanced well by a polished sheen of tannins and plenty of fresh acidity. Showing ample power and concentration, this would hold well in the cellar." Wine Enthusiast

"Lovely nose, fragrant with a great purity, showing notes of dark cherries, cinnamon and hints of tobacco with leathery undertones. Very elegant and complex palate." Decanter

As early as 1865, the first 1,850 Pinot Noir vines were brought to Italy from Burgundy by Count Vistarino. Since then, the vinification of this demanding grape variety has been refined over the generations. Today, the Pinot Noirs of the winegrowing dynasty can even outshine much more expensive Pinot Noirs from Burgundy at international tastings.

Pernice comes from the single vineyard of the same name and fascinates with its fine fragrance and elegance. Intense ruby red with garnet reflections. Complex and rich bouquet of violet notes and small red fruits, some roasted coffee and cocoa. On the palate elegant, full-bodied, with present fruit, yet very balanced with a pleasant minerality and a long, spicy finish. The harmonious tannins make this wine elegant and give it a good backbone from the beginning to the end. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium red; inviting Pinot fruit; also in the mouth fruit, length, fine tannin" (JLF)." Merum

"An elegant red, with delicate notes of woodsy spices, dried flowers and wild herbs serving as an enticing thread that winds through macerated black cherry and dried fig flavors. Long and fresh, with creamy tannins providing fine definition through the minerally finish." Wine Spectator